Worker Assignment Model for Lean Production with Cross-training and Job Rotation Considerations

摘要

This paper describes a multi-period worker assignment model for a lean production cell that produces a single product family. Currently, there is minimal research on how to assign multi-skilled workers to tasks within a lean production cell while considering cross-training and job rotation. While models exist that include constraints for cross-training and skill level for tasks, no models were found that minimize overproduction or address job rotation for reasons other than ergonomic concerns. The model in this research assigns workers to tasks and determines the levels of training necessary to meet customer demand, quality requirements, and cross-training provisions. The model is used to investigate how alternative levels of multi-skilling and job rotation impact the performance of a lean production cell. The two main factors that are analyzed are multi-skilling level and frequency of job rotation. Four levels of multi-skilling and three levels of job rotation frequency are evaluated. The results of this model provide insight on the impact of multi-skilling and job rotation frequencies on production line performance and provide guidance on training policies.